Bern is Switzerland’s charming capital, celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval centre and rich political history. Built within a dramatic bend of the River Aare, the city combines centuries-old architecture with a relaxed atmosphere that invites exploration. Visitors stroll beneath historic arcades, admire elegant sandstone buildings and discover landmarks that have shaped Swiss history since the Middle Ages.
Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town reflects its importance as one of Europe’s finest medieval urban landscapes. Beyond its famous clock tower and cathedral, the city offers excellent museums, riverside walks and vibrant public squares. Its compact layout makes sightseeing easy, whether you visit for a day or a longer stay. This historical travel guide to Bern reveals why Switzerland’s capital remains one of the country’s most rewarding cultural destinations.
What would you like to know about Bern?
A Little Bit of History
The history of Bern began in 1191 when Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen founded the city on a strategic peninsula above the River Aare. According to local tradition, he named the settlement after the first animal hunted nearby, a bear, which later became the city’s enduring symbol. Bern quickly developed into an important commercial centre because of its location on major trade routes across the Alps. Following the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty in 1218, Bern became a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire.
In 1353, the city joined the Old Swiss Confederation, strengthening its political influence throughout the region. A devastating fire destroyed much of Bern in 1405, after which the city was rebuilt using durable sandstone instead of timber. Many of today’s medieval buildings date from this reconstruction and contribute to Bern’s distinctive appearance. By the late fifteenth century, Bern had become one of the most powerful city-states in the Swiss Confederation.
The sixteenth century brought significant religious and political change when Bern adopted the Protestant Reformation in 1528. The city expanded its territory considerably, becoming one of the largest republics north of the Alps. During the Napoleonic period, French forces occupied Bern in 1798, ending centuries of political dominance. Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Bern became part of the restored Swiss Confederation.
In 1848, the newly established Swiss Federal Constitution selected Bern as the nation’s federal capital because of its central location and political neutrality. The city continued to develop while carefully preserving its medieval character. In 1983, Bern’s Old Town received UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its outstanding historical and architectural significance. Today, Bern successfully combines its role as Switzerland’s political capital with its reputation as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.
Best Travel Time?
Bern is enjoyable throughout the year, although the most pleasant weather generally occurs between May and September. Spring brings colourful gardens, comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than the summer season. July and August offer long daylight hours that are perfect for exploring the Old Town and swimming in the River Aare. September combines mild weather with quieter streets, making sightseeing especially enjoyable.
Winter introduces festive Christmas markets, seasonal concerts and beautifully decorated historic streets. The traditional Zibelemärit, or Onion Market, takes place each November and has attracted visitors for centuries. Travelling during spring or early autumn often provides the ideal balance between pleasant conditions, cultural events and manageable visitor numbers.
How Many Days?
A single day allows visitors to explore Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Zytglogge, Bern Cathedral and the riverside promenades. Two days provide time to visit excellent museums and enjoy the city’s relaxed café culture. Spending three days allows visitors to appreciate Bern at a slower pace while discovering lesser-known historic streets and neighbourhoods.
Additional time also makes it possible to explore the surrounding countryside. Popular day trips include the medieval town of Murten, the Emmental region and the picturesque city of Thun. Nature lovers can also visit the Bernese Oberland for spectacular Alpine scenery within easy reach. Three to four days provide the ideal balance between exploring Bern’s history and discovering central Switzerland.
Accommodation in Bern
The Old Town (Altstadt) is the best place to stay for visitors wishing to experience Bern’s medieval atmosphere. Most major historical attractions are within easy walking distance, while restaurants, cafés and museums are conveniently nearby. Staying here allows travellers to enjoy the city’s beautiful arcades during both the day and evening. The Railway Station district offers excellent transport connections alongside a wide choice of hotels.
Kirchenfeld provides a quieter setting close to several museums and embassies while remaining within walking distance of the centre. Budget travellers can also find comfortable accommodation slightly outside the Old Town with frequent tram services. Bern’s efficient public transport ensures that every neighbourhood offers easy access to the city’s historical landmarks.
Some Tips & Ideas for Hotels Include:
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa – A luxurious five-star hotel beside the main railway station with spacious rooms and an excellent wellness centre. The Old Town is only a few minutes away on foot. Prices from approximately €430 per night.
Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque – Located in the heart of the Old Town, this charming boutique hotel occupies a beautifully preserved historic building. Individually decorated rooms reflect Bern’s elegant character. Prices from approximately €250 per night.
Prize by Radisson, Bern City – A modern budget-friendly hotel offering stylish rooms and convenient tram access to the historic centre. It provides excellent value for city-break travellers. Prices from approximately €150 per night.
Book your preferred hotel, apartment, or hostel here.
Sightseeing in Bern
Bern’s historical attractions reflect more than eight centuries of political, architectural and cultural development. The UNESCO-listed Old Town remains one of Europe’s finest examples of a medieval city, with its original street layout largely intact. Elegant sandstone buildings, covered arcades and decorative fountains create an atmosphere that has changed remarkably little over the centuries.
Many landmarks recall Bern’s rise from a fortified medieval settlement to the capital of modern Switzerland. Museums and historic buildings provide valuable insight into the city’s role within the Swiss Confederation. Visitors can comfortably explore most attractions on foot thanks to the compact city centre. Together, these remarkable sites make Bern an essential destination for travellers interested in Swiss history.
Below are some of the country’s most interesting historical attractions.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower) – Originally built in the early thirteenth century as a western gate of the city, the Zytglogge later became Bern’s iconic astronomical clock. Its elaborate mechanical figures perform several minutes before each hour, delighting visitors every day.
Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster) – Construction of Switzerland’s tallest cathedral began in 1421 and continued for centuries. Its magnificent Gothic architecture, detailed Last Judgement portal and panoramic tower views make it one of Bern’s greatest landmarks.
Old Town (Altstadt) – Bern’s beautifully preserved medieval centre features six kilometres of covered arcades, historic fountains and elegant sandstone buildings. UNESCO recognised its exceptional historical value in 1983.
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) – Completed in 1902, this impressive building houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council. Guided tours explain Switzerland’s unique political system and the building’s historical significance.
Einstein House (Einsteinhaus) – Albert Einstein lived here between 1903 and 1905 while working at the Swiss Patent Office. During this period, he developed ideas that led to his groundbreaking theory of special relativity.
Looking for exciting tours and activities? Book them here through GetYourGuide.
Food & Drinks – Taste the Local Cuisine
Bern’s cuisine reflects the agricultural traditions of central Switzerland while embracing influences from neighbouring cantons. One of the city’s best-known specialities is the Berner Platte, a generous dish of smoked meats, sausages, potatoes and sauerkraut. The meal originated after the Battle of Neuenegg in 1798, when local families prepared a celebratory feast using preserved meats.
Another regional favourite is Meringues with Gruyère double cream, a simple dessert that remains popular throughout the canton. Bern also produces excellent artisan cheeses, seasonal pastries and traditional breads. Local breweries craft a wide variety of beers, while nearby vineyards in the Lake Biel region supply quality Swiss wines. Sampling these regional flavours offers another enjoyable way to experience Bern’s cultural heritage.
Here are some restaurant ideas and recommendations:
Kornhauskeller – Located inside a magnificent former seventeenth-century granary, this elegant restaurant serves classic Swiss cuisine beneath spectacular vaulted ceilings.
Altes Tramdepot Brauerei Restaurant – Situated beside the Bear Park, this popular venue combines traditional Swiss dishes with freshly brewed beers and excellent views of the Old Town.
Felsenau Brauerei – Bern’s historic brewery has produced beer since 1881 and remains highly regarded for its traditional brewing methods and local character.
Klösterli Weincafé – A welcoming wine bar specialising in Swiss wines from Bern and neighbouring cantons. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it popular with both residents and visitors.
Restaurant Steinhalle – Awarded a Michelin star, this innovative restaurant presents creative seasonal menus using carefully selected Swiss ingredients.
How to Get there?
Flights
International travellers usually arrive via Bern Airport (BRN) for limited regional flights or, more commonly, through Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland’s largest international gateway. Zurich Airport offers direct connections to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Frequent direct trains travel from Zurich Airport to Bern in approximately 75 to 90 minutes without requiring a transfer.
Visitors arriving through Geneva Airport can also reach Bern by rail in around two hours. Taxis from Bern Airport reach the city centre in about 20 minutes, while buses provide an economical alternative. Most hotels are easily accessible from Bern railway station using trams or on foot. Switzerland’s excellent transport infrastructure makes arriving in Bern straightforward and stress-free.
Looking for flights? Book your tickets here through Skyscanner.
Public Transport
Bern is exceptionally well connected by public transport, making rail travel one of the easiest ways to reach the city. Direct trains operate regularly from Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and Lucerne throughout the day. International rail services connect Bern with Paris, Milan and several German cities, usually via Basel or Zurich.
Bern’s central railway station sits just a few minutes’ walk from the UNESCO-listed Old Town. An extensive tram and bus network allows visitors to reach every major attraction quickly and efficiently. Many hotels provide complimentary public transport passes for the duration of each stay. Travelling by train and local transport is often faster and more convenient than driving within the city.
Looking for public transport tickets? Book your bus tickets here through Busbud
Car Rental
Hiring a car is an excellent option for travellers planning to explore the Bernese Oberland, Emmental or other scenic regions beyond the capital. Major international and Swiss rental companies operate near Bern railway station and at Zurich Airport. Driving within Bern is generally straightforward, although the medieval centre has restricted vehicle access and limited parking.
Public car parks around the Old Town provide the most convenient parking options. Excellent motorways connect Bern with Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne and Interlaken, making regional travel simple. Scenic roads also lead through picturesque villages, rolling countryside and spectacular Alpine landscapes. Many visitors choose to explore Bern on foot before collecting a rental car for longer excursions.
Would you like to rent a car in Bern? Book your all-inclusive rental here with DiscoverCars.
Relax! The Best Blogs about Bern
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